A Temperature Data Logger, also called a Temperature Monitor, is an instrument used to measure and record temperature autonomously over a defined period. These are portable instruments. The data recorded using the data loggers can be retrieved, viewed, and evaluated. A data logger is well accustomed to monitor shipments during a cold chain and gathers temperature data from diverse field conditions. These devices, by and large, provide simple but substantial solutions for analysis and documentation of research, process monitoring, in-transit monitoring, warehouse monitoring, laboratory studies, and environmental studies.
Types:
- USB Loggers: these devices collect information from the data packets directly from the PC and then are analyzed using the pertinent software.
- Bluetooth Loggers: it provides wireless data access through mobile devices.
- Wireless sensors: they permit the recorded data to be collected from the site. It provides a short-range centralized data collection.
- Web-based systems: these systems validate real-time or immediate access to data through Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections, i.e., through long-range wireless internet access.
Factors affecting the selection:
- Cost
- Reusability
- Battery life
- Readability
- Data downloading
- Analysis
- Accuracy and precision: the degree of accuracy of the recorded temperature with the actual one.
- Shock and vibration resistance
- Water resistance: the value of humidity, condensation, etc.
- Data integrations
The factors mentioned above are taken into consideration while choosing an appropriate product.
Uses:
Environmental Monitoring: Autonomous data loggers are often taken to diverse locations that don’t easily support the fixed temperature and humidity monitoring equipment. These may include mountains, deserts, jungles, mines, ice flows, caves, etc. There are also Portable Data Loggers that are utilized in industry and laboratory situations where recording is necessary.
1. Monitoring Shipments:
Few products like food, pharmaceuticals, and selected chemicals are temperature sensitive, and it is mandatory to examine the equipment during shipment logistics operations. The exposure of these products to the outer temperature for a set time can ruin the quality of the product and lessen the shelf life. The devices are small enough to be placed in an insulated shipping container or directly attached to the product set inside the refrigerated container. These instruments keep a check of the temperature of the product. Modern Digital data loggers developed in recent times are convenient and movable. They also record the actual times and temperatures.
There are several applications in which a USB temperature data logger can be used. A few are mentioned below
- Fridges and freezers: the device is an ideal instrument for commercial or packaged food and pharmaceutical storage. It maintains the suitable temperature range and comes with a unique feature where the wireless model has alarms to SMS or Email.
- Greenhouses: for the plants to grow vigorously in a greenhouse, it is mandatory to maintain the proper level of humidity and temperature. It is in this part where the data loggers come into play with round-the-clock monitoring, making it an excellent fit.
- Warehouses: this tool is popularly used in warehouses as the humidity and climate there can lead to the degradation of the products. One can place the instrument around the warehouse and get multiple readings.
- Attics and Basements: these are the places where moisture is high that leads to the growth of mould and mildew. Temperature Data Loggers are a perfect fit that keep a track of the problems and levels, providing help in making necessary adjustments.
These services are provided by a variety of electronic companies. All that one has got to do is be wise in choosing the right outlet for such devices.